The clinical trial testing the efficacy of the oral HIV antiretroviral drug, Truvada, was terminated in South Africa yesterday. External analysis by the Independent Data Monitoring Committee determined there was no detectable decrease in HIV transmission rate between those receiving Truvada and those who did not.
This study, conducted by the Family Health International, a Durham, NC based group, tested the efficacy of daily administration of an oral formulation of Truvada in women. Testing included 2,000 women. Expectations were that a daily pill form of Truvada would be effective. Previous clinical trials of Truvada as a vaginal gel formulation resulted in a dramatic 40% decrease in transmission rates. Scientists are investigating whether this disappointing result was a consequence of the mode of drug administration or due to non-adherence/non-compliance with the daily dosing of the pills.
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